Indulge in crispy, juicy chicken bites without the guilt! This air fryer recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of your favorite fried appetizers, using a fraction of the oil.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game day spread, or healthy snack attack, these air fryer chicken bites are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon seasoning of your choice (Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
Instructions
1. Prep the chicken: If using, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch and salt in a large bowl. This helps ensure crispy bites.
2. Season the chicken: Add your favorite seasonings to the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
3. Preheat the air fryer (optional): While some air fryers don’t require preheating, consult your manual for instructions. Generally, preheating to 400°F (200°C) is recommended.
4. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly oil the basket with a neutral oil spray.
5. Arrange the chicken: In a single layer, place the chicken bites in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can affect crispness. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
6. Air fry the chicken: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
7. Shake and continue cooking: After 5 minutes, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Internal temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest piece of chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
9. Serve and enjoy! Let the chicken cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 15-30 minutes before coating it in seasonings.
- Experiment with different seasonings to create your own flavor variations.
- Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a healthier and more flavorful alternative to deep-fried chicken nuggets. Enjoy!